Pandemic Indra Jatra

Appeasing the rain-god without agitating the lockdown rules, the Kathmanduites this year marked Indra Jatra within the restrictions of their own community spaces. Amidst the lockdown orders imposed by the government, the denizens devised their own ingenious ways of keeping up the spirit of the festivities. The people gathered around in small groups in open ‘chowks’ and ‘bahals’ with small chariots of the living goddess Kumari and paper masks of the ‘Lakhey’ to impersonations of ‘pulu kisi’ dancing around in traditional tunes. This mini celebration brought smiles on faces of the people who are looking at an uncertain future ahead.